São Vicente may lose parliamentary representation amid low voter registration – UCID

Mindelo, Feb 12 (Inforpress) – The regional president of the Cape Verdean Independent and Democratic Union (UCID) in São Vicente, Anilton Andrade, today renewed his appeal for voter registration, warning that the island risks losing parliamentary representation if turnout in the registration process remains low.

Speaking at a press conference, Andrade voiced concern over the limited participation of young people turning 18 by March 13, the deadline for registration under the Electoral Code.

The politician stressed that the first act of citizenship is not voting, but registering to vote, arguing that São Vicente cannot afford a weak registration rate at the risk of diminishing its voice in Parliament.

“What is at stake is not merely an administrative procedure. The political weight of our island in the National Assembly is at stake. The number of MPs elected per constituency depends on the number of registered voters,” Andrade noted, adding that losing seats would mean losing “capacity for advocacy and influence” in national decision-making.

CD/CP

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